Re: MSX to Release Subsat

John C. Broman, Jr. (john.broman@gsfc.nasa.gov)
Thu, 2 May 1996 19:00:15 -0400

At 09:57 PM 4/30/96 -0700, you wrote:

>Anyone know the diameter of the MSX subsatellite (and thus its potential for
>visibility)?  I just checked OIG -- no elements except 96 24A and 96 24B, 
>so perhaps the subsatellite has not been released yet.


MSX was launched using Delta's larger 10' dia fairing, rather that the
necked down 9.5' fairing (which is standard) or the straight 8' one.  But
this does not mean MSX needed all the clearance in the 10' version, since
the narrow aft end of the 9.5' fairing is only 8' dia, and that didn't fit.
The narrow end of the 9.5' fairing usually is around the smaller, optional
third stage (a Star-48 PAM) motor.  The 10' fairing is usually used for
large LEO payloads (such as last year's XTE launch.

So... basically, the lack of third stage motor AND use of the 10' fairing
means that the payload envelope of MSX was greater than about 7.5'.  Did
this answer your question?  Perhaps not.  If not, please forgive the launch
vehicle off-subject post.  But it's my work, and I love it!

___________________________________________
John C. Broman, Jr.
Orbital Launch Services Project Office
Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 470
john.broman@gsfc.nasa.gov
___________________________________________